We make use of cookies to enhance your user experience. By clicking "OK" without altering your cookie preferences, you are giving us your consent to use cookies. For further information, please read our information on the use of cookies.OK

Mario Mandzukic making his mark in Munich

vor 2 Stunden

Mario Mandzukic has hit the ground running at the Allianz Arena, putting away goals for fun as FC Bayern romped to an historic treble in 2012/13The Croatia international scored 15 Bundesliga goals in his debut season at the club, as well as the opening goal in the UEFA Championss League finalMandzukic's all-round displays swiftly cemented his place in the Bayern starting XI at the expense of Mario Gomez

Mario Mandzukic was born on May 21, 1986 in Slavonski Brod. He fled war-torn Yugoslavia for Germany and in 1992 set out on the path to a career in professional football with TSF Ditzingen. Four years later he returned to his homeland, where he joined local club NK Marsonia, scoring 14 goals in his debut season in the Croatian second division.

After nine years, the right-footed forward moved to capital city and top-flight club NK Zagreb, aged 19. The Croatian earned a cross-city move to Dinamo two years later, scoring 54 goals in 109 appearances, earning his first call-up to the national side and winning three national titles and two domestic cups, before moving to Bundesliga outfit VfL Wolfsburg in 2010.

Super Mario MK II

Mandzukic scored just eight league goals in his first season at the club, but followed that up with a further twelve in 2011/12, the Croatian Player of the Year accolade and three goals at EURO 2012. That was enough to persuade FC Bayern, the club 'Super Mario II' would join that summer, initially as back-up for the injured Mario Gomez. Surpassing expectation, the versatile forward went on to establish himself as the Bavarians' leading marksman, with 15 goals in 24 Bundesliga appearances in his debut, treble-winning no less, season at the Allianz Arena.

Free!

Get the Bundesliga newsletter delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up today!